On 28th February 2018, the Sustainable Tourism Seminar was held in Tokyo: “A Look Back 2017 at the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development and A Look Forward to expanding the GSTC in Japan.”
The seminar was hosted by Ecotourism Japan (part of Asian Ecotourism Network: AEN) and sponsored by Japan Travel and Tourism Association. Key speakers at the Seminar were Emi Kaiwa, GSTC Membership Coordinator; Kazuhiro Arai, Hokkaido Adventure Travel; and Masaru Takayama, AEN.
During the 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development destinations in Japan became more keen on applying global sustainability practices and certification schemes.
The 40 participants -coming from Ministries, Research Institution, NGO, large tourism operator, etc. – were eager to learn more of the GSTC, its Criteria, and world trend, in order to find a way to develop and implement the GSTC Criteria domestically. Kamaishi City, Iwate, and Shimabara Peninsula, Nagasaki, were given as examples of Japanese destinations that apply the GSTC framework.
Ecotourism Japan is planning to hold a larger forum on the subject in Tokyo this coming Autumn.
Emi Kaiwa, GSTC Membership Coordinator
